The next assignment is about making a 2 to 3 minute video that highlights the ascepts of the graphic design/visual communication program at Cal State LA as well as creating ads: one online and one offline.  I was a little confused as to how this video related to advertising but then I realized that the kinds of videos that showcase and highlight one's work and/or education program are in fact advertisement of sorts.  They are trying to "sell" the quality of their product to people who might be interested and want to know more. A big part of what makes these kinds of videos convincing is the mood/tone it sets and the messages it sends.

For example what i feel is as an good ad  is a commercial for the Art Institutes http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jzbnLFsAdwQ.  This 31-second video is effective in that it draws attention to certain items: food, furniture, apps, etc. These items are purposely blank because the commercial is asking who will create these blank white items? The answer of course is the viewer who wants or might want to pursue a career in  food cuisine, interior design, apps, and/or fashion design.  This commercial does it's job of showing just enough images (the blank items, the students working, making, and creating display of visual art) to make the viewer interested about this school and what it has to offer. The message I believe the commercial sends is that if you attend the Art Institutes, you can create the visual art that can be display in the future.  It's a powerful message especially if one really wants to pursue a career in the arts.